The focus of this DVD is American composers who also drew from the music of the past and from other cultures. Jazz, military bands, country dances, German Expressionism, and minimalism all contribute to a dazzling display of energy and virtuosity in American music. Compositions excerpted include Gershwin's Rhapsody in Blue; Ives' Decoration Day; Cage's First Construction in Metal; Feldman's Mme. Press Died Last Week at 90; Riley's In C; Adams' Harmonium; Copland's Appalachian Spring; Weill's "Lonely House" from Street Scene; and Bernstein's Symphonic Dances from West Side Story.